The removal of the rear crash pads and the big plastic support structure attached to the back of the bumper was a surprise when I installed the genuine Kia removable bar.
I was wondering whether the customer was offered this item to remove when the dealer installed it, or if it is also necessary to remove it from a permanent tow bar.
Considering how often non-tow bar cars need this part for repairs, I would expect it to be valuable.
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The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid's removable tow bar is compatible with
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Loonie4cars
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:49 pm
Seems like this is the norm now. In three of my previous Vauxhall Insignias and two of my previous Sportages, the crash pad was removed. Since I had already taken the parts out of the vehicle, I just needed to put them back in the trunk when I traded it in.
In my assumption, the fixed tow bar will be identical to the loose one, since the manufacturer-designated fixing positions are a requirement of the type approval.
This vehicle came equipped with a tow bar, so I didn't need it.
In my assumption, the fixed tow bar will be identical to the loose one, since the manufacturer-designated fixing positions are a requirement of the type approval.
This vehicle came equipped with a tow bar, so I didn't need it.
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